Media Coverage

Painters, printmakers and photographers are once again preparing to display their work.

Now in its ninth year, the South East Open Studios (SEOS) fortnight will see artists from around the area preparing to open their doors to the public.

With the aim to encourage new audiences to art, nine locals will be joining a total of more than 290 artists from Kent and East Sussex displaying their images, paintings and sculptures.

Starting on June 10, the open studios event will take place over a two-week period.

Entry is free to all the studios and according to the area co-ordinator Sarah Youseman, “most artists will give you a cup of tea and a piece of cake�.

Betsham-based artist Ms Youseman, who was introduced by a friend to SEOS and now looks after the other artists in the area, has seen the project slowly grow.

She describes the event as a great opportunity to meet artists in their own environment.

Members of the public are invited to browse at their leisure, and will be allowed to watch the artists work while talking to them about the materials and techniques they use.

Ms Youseman, who also does private tuition, said: “It’s a lovely thing to do. Every year more people come; word of mouth helps.

“The good thing about the open studios is that its not just a window. The artist will show you and explain the work. You get to look at sketchbooks and how they got to the finished piece. Its not a shop front; with the studios open, you see the tools of the trade.�

The painter often draws her inspiration from the surrounding landscape and one particular scene she values is the view from the footpath between Betsham and Bean.

“It has wonderful views and on a good day you can almost see to Darenth,� she said.

Displaying 20 finished works, 20 drawings and watercolours and about 100 prints, she went on to add: “Having an open studio puts a great strain on partners and family to have strangers in the house, so Id like to thank the artists families for their support.�

The Dartford Borough Council and Kent County Council also support the project.

Ms Youseman added: “Patsy Thurlow, a councillor from the borough, came to one of my exhibitions and then she sighed up to do one of my classes.�

Visitors can usually buy a range of artworks at the studios. If you want something specific, ask about a commission.

For more information on South East Open Studios fortnight, pick up a guide of all the artists taking part from any library in Kent, or visit the website www.southeastopenstudios.org.uk.